In the first high-level engagement with Russia after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government came to power, India has objected to the proposed sale of Mi-35 Russian military attack helicopters by Russia to Pakistan.
Russia has been the largest arms supplier to India but has so far not sold any weaponry in the past to Pakistan out of regard for Indian concerns and sensitivities on the issue.
According to Indian media, the issue was raised strongly by India during talks between Indian External Affairs (EA) Minister Sushma Swaraj and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry O Rogozin.
The issue was also understood to have been raised in a meeting between the visiting Russian dignitary and Indian Defence Minister Arun Jaitley.
“The question regarding our defence cooperation and any issues that impact this in terms of our concern were raised,” EA Ministry Spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
